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This article was first published 13 years ago

The man behind NIIT's success

Last updated on: May 3, 2011 14:44 IST

Image: Rajendra S Pawar.
Piyali Mandal in New Delhi

Considered a visionary, Rajendra S Pawar was years ahead of his time in realising the importance of IT (information technology) education in India.

He left a comfortable job at HCL Technologies to start NIIT in 1981. In the process he revolutionised the computer education market in India, thereby creating a completely new industry segment.

The man behind NIIT's success

Image: NIIT.
All along, Pawar has played the leadership role in nurturing NIIT and building a leading global talent development corporation.

NIIT's franchise model enabled it to unleash a wave of entrepreneurship across the globe, providing young people with the opportunity to create viable businesses centred on IT learning.

The man behind NIIT's success

Image: NIIT.
"A second opinion can sometimes make all the difference when it comes to the outcome of a treatment. Many a time, an incorrect diagnosis can result in endless clinical visits, medical expenses and unnecessary procedures," he said.

MediAngels, which was set up in January 2011, has a network of 300 specialist doctors from 85 super specialties across 22 countries. It follows a flat-fee structure with consultation fee starting at Rs 250.

The man behind NIIT's success

Image: NIIT students during a dance program.

He is on the Board of IIT Delhi, IIM Bangalore, Indian School of Business, Scindia School and Indira Gandhi National Open University.

A firm believer in the need for industry participation to shape the education sector, he went on to establish the NIIT University, a not-for-profit institution at Neemrana in 2009.

The man behind NIIT's success

Image: aa
Pawar is a member of the Prime Minister's National Council and the Planning Commission's Task Force on Skill Development. He is also helping the Government of South Africa to develop a growth strategy for its ICT industry.

He has been a founder member of Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) and will lead the industry body as the chairman for 2011-12.

The man behind NIIT's success

Image: Rajendra Pawar.
Born in Jammu, Pawar holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from IIT-Delhi and likes listening to music during leisure time.

For his contribution to IT and the education sector he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011.

Source: source